British stars Reece Prescod, Stef Reid and Jonnie Peacock launched the festival by leading a session with local schoolchildren at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as they took part on a Müller Anniversary Games-themed Tumbleator.
As well as the leading athletics meet, which will feature some of the biggest names in global athletics, this summer will see hosts work closely with partnering organisations across a number of initiatives for its Festival of Athletics.
Two-time Paralympic T44 100m champion Jonnie Peacock said: “The Müller Anniversary Games provides the chance for fans to see the best athletes in the world compete on the same stage, in a stadium with such great memories for the nation.
“The event is vitally important for athletes ahead of a busy end to the year with the World Para Athletics Championships.
"I can’t wait to race again in front of what is always an outstanding British crowd."
Testing their speeds on the Tumbleator today were the aforementioned British trio, with all three athletes being confirmed as part of the line-up for the even at the London Stadium on July 20-21.
Joining them on the Tumbleator were schoolchildren from schools in both Stratford itself and Hackney, as well as student athletes from Track Academy. Also in attendance was former British athlete and founder of Track Academy Connie Henry, as well as Couch to 5k celebrity ambassador and official British Athletics Ambassador for July’s Couch to 5k, Nell McAndrew.
The Festival of Athletics will see a host of activity taking place across Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park this summer all centred around the Müller Anniversary Games, including:
Track Academy have recently been confirmed as Official Charity Partner to the 2019 Müller Anniversary Games, allowing ticket buyers to donate at point of purchase.
As part of the Festival of Athletics on the morning of 21st July at the London Stadium, a woman-only Couch to 5K event will run at the Müller Anniversary Games.
British Athletics will also be working with London boroughs to engage communities across the capital to engage in athletics for a relay competition between the 32 London boroughs with top teams lining up to compete in the Muller Anniversary Games.
The Müller Anniversary Games has seen history made on numerous occasions in recent years, with some memorable performances from British names such as Sir Mo Farah, Laura Muir and Asher-Smith, while para athletics stars Kare Adenegan and Sophie Hahn both broke world records there in 2018.
Former British athlete from Croydon and current Equality, Diversity & Engagement Lead at British Athletics, Donna Fraser said:
“The Festival Athletics will see the ultimate celebration of athletics for communities in London this summer, with the pinnacle being the Müller Anniversary Games in July.
“Athletics is the perfect family sport for spectators and participants. This is one of the many reasons athletes enjoy competing at the Müller Anniversary Games so much because as well as having world-class athletics on show, we see first-hand how accessible and inclusive the sport is. With so much going on across the weekend of 20-21 July, it’s a great chance for the public to enjoy the sport in different ways.”
Tickets for the Müller Anniversary Games are on sale at www.britishathletics.org.uk.
